Do you want to save time and money?

Step 1: Get started with a meal planning calendar.

Keep an eye out for new recipes that fit your time frame and your appetite. In the beginning, flexibility may be necessary. Write it down, see what works.

Step 2: Make that shopping list.

Keep sales in mind. Working with sales to do your meal planning can save you big time.

Check out your local grocery store online. Many offer online couponing and buying rewards. View ads, clip what you use, and earn rewards in one location!

Step 3: Prep your food.

If your upcoming recipe requires sliced or diced veggies, do the work now and store them for easy access later. Prepping food ahead of time can be your biggest time saver on busy days.

Step 4: Practice preemptive cooking.

Pre­cook components of lunches and dinners for easy access. Store them strategically for on the go meals.

If a recipe can be cooked in advance and frozen, why not? Spending time on prep day by doing some bulk cooking will cut time and energy later. If you have a day of chaos in the cards, it may be the day to pull from your pre­-frozen entree list.

Don’t underestimate the value of doubling batches! Double up now to stock your freezer and use up extra fresh ingredients before they go bad. Double the reason to double batch.

Pave your way to meal planning success with the help of quick recipes.

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About The Author

Jessica is seeking her Master’s degree in Literature from the University of Toledo. She is proud to be the current University of Toledo / Toledo–Lucas County Public Library Fellow in the Humanities Department. Jessica loves to learn, reads anything that is food for thought, and is in constant pursuit of glorious rock concerts.